The BHA is today calling for all its members and supporters to write a letter to the 26 Bishops in the House of Lords as part of a joint campaign action. The letter calls for the Church of England Bishops, who sit in the House of Lords as of right, to sign up to certain principles which would engage them in the debate regarding reform of the House of Lords. The action is being run by Power2010 and several other organisations, including the BHA.
Andrew Copson, BHA Chief Executive said, ‘We are very happy to be supporting this campaign action centring on an issue of central concern to humanists and on which we have worked for many years. The UK is the only democratic country to give seats in its legislature to religious representatives as of right. It is undemocratic and represents a level of privilege for one denomination of one religion which is inappropriate in our plural society. If Bishops wish to sit in our parliament, they should be given that opportunity in the same way as everyone else, rather than being given an unfair advantage.’
‘As well as supporting this specific action, the BHA is also pleased to support the wider principle behind Power 2010: that everyone should have the chance to participate in setting the agenda for how our politics seeks the common good. That includes both religious and non-religious people and we need to engage in public life on an even playing field, with no special rights for churches and religions.’
Notes
For further comment or information, contact Pepper Harow on 020 7079 3585.
Read the BHA briefing on Bishops in the Lords.
Read about Bishops in the Lords on the BHA website.
Take action on Bishops in the Lords.
The (editable) text of the letter to the Bishops is as follows:
“Hello,
It has been encouraging to see Church of England bishops speak favourably in the House of Lords about the POWER2010 initiative to reinvigorate democracy in the UK.
Nearly everyone now recognises the need for a fully reformed Second Chamber, but we need clear and principled leadership to take this forward.
I am writing to ask you to fulfil this role by committing to the following core principles that Christian and non-Christian democrats can share:
* people of faith participate alongside others in public life through civic action, free debate and good example not special reserved places and exemptions
* members of the second chamber are elected, publicly accountable and recallable – not based on the appointed status and privilege for a few
* legislation is scrutinised for its impact on the most vulnerable in society – not primarily the rich and powerful
* membership is open to independent and minority elected voices – not dominated by the big party machines
* Parliamentary business is discussed and voted upon in ways that encourage common action, co-operation and understanding of differences – rather than division and confrontation.
Can I ask you to confirm your support for these principles, and to work with POWER2010 for a reformed Second Chamber?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,”
The British Humanist Association represents and supports the non-religious. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.